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We now change the character of the scene, prevailing smoke and tall chimneys betokening the presence of manufacturing energy. [[Coalport]] is famous for its china, and in the same neighbourhood are the encaustic tile works of [[Maw and Co's Siding#Maw_.26_Co._history|Messrs. Mawe and Co.]], some of the first in the kingdom. At Coalport, is the terminus of a branch of the London and North-Western Railway from Wellington. The terminus is some 60 or 80 yards from the Severn Valley line, but at a much lower level, and it is very clear that in constructing the two lines there was no idea of the possibility of a future junction of the two. The river running between them appears to mark the territory on either bank as not to be encroached upon.
Two miles further on, with the smoke accompanying us all the way, we arrive at [[Ironbridge]], the houses of the town clustering well up the steep hank bank of the river on the east side, and the rail running along half-way up the opposite bank. The handsome high-arched iron bridge, which gives its name to the town, forms a conspicuous object in the landscape. Madeley and [[Coalbrookdale]] are approachable hence. The former is notable as one of the hiding places of King Charles II after the battle of Worcester. On his way to Boscobel, Charles took refuge at a house of a Mr. Wolfe, but the house was too good for the fugitive, who was accommodated like an ordinary vagrant, with some straw in a barn. At the Restoration, the monarch presented Mr. Wolfe with a silver tankard, bearing the following inscription:—" Given by Charles II., at the Restoration, to F. Wolfe, of Madeley, in whose home he was secreted after the defeat at Worcester." [[Ironbridge and Broseley|Broseley]], famous for its bricks, is in the same locality.
From Ironbridge to [[Buildwas]] is but one mile, according to the tables. Buildwas Abbey was a great attraction for the archaeologists who visited Shrewsbury a few years ago, and Wenlock Abbey offers like inducements to tourists. Wenlock is reached by a branch line from Buildwas station. Another branch is being made in an opposite direction to Lightmoor (a mile and a half), and the [[Albert Edward Bridge|bridge to carry this branch line over the Severn]] is now in course of completion.
